Following faith: First congregation started primarily by African Americans

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Daily News/ Brett Marshall

"When people get to know us, they find out it isn't about color.

At 10:15 a.m. on a Sunday morning, the congregation stands, claps in exaltation and welcomes them in. The Rev. Dr. Anthony Revis and his wife, the Rev. Linda J. Kemp Revis, enter the sanctuary dressed in color-coordinated attire, ready to praise God.

After the first step inside, one might jump to the conclusion that the white building sitting at 3420 E. Ashman St. is a "black church," but Anthony Revis is the first to clarify, "We say were a good church … when people get to know us they find its not about color."

The 49-year-old pastor of Faith Ministries has a way of moving his congregation, not only to the beat, but to the spirit. When he speaks of Gods awesomeness, the congregation lifts its hands, shouting "hallelujah" and "amen."

Being at the helm of a 150-member congregation seems natural for Revis, but it wasnt what originally brought him to Midland; that was science. Twenty-three years ago he joined Dow Corning Corp., where he serves as associate scientist. But as he maneuvered through his professional career, he felt another calling. It was a tug at his heart and spirit to bring a community together to worship. How would the Newton, GA, native approach his call to ministry? What type of people would he attract to his services?

For the Revises, it wasnt important how many people came, and they didnt care about the congregations ethnic appearance. They simply wanted individuals to find spiritual guidance.

As it turned out, the Revises adopted a predominantly black congregation, and found themselves as leaders of Midlands first congregation started primarily by African Americans. Upon founding the congregation in 1990, the Revises also saw interest from various other ethnic groups.

"If there were skeptics, I didnt hear about it," Revis said. "We were very well received by all in the community."

The Revises have been somewhat surprised by how accepting non-blacks have been to Faith Ministries animated and down-to-earth type of worship service. During altar call, hands of all shades of color lift in prayer to God. Showing love to ones brother or sister, wiping tears and sharing joys, transcends color lines.

Revis outlook on faith and the image he and his congregation aim to portray line up with the message on the church website, (http://www.faith-ministries.org/index.html) boasting, "… Bible preaching and Bible teaching such that people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds have the opportunity to receive the gospel truth."

When it comes to their spiritual beliefs, the issue is neither black nor white, Revis said. He admits there are still injustices that minorities face  unfair treatment in the workplace, schools and community  issues that he feels compelled to help change. Thats where Revis involvement in the NAACP and other organizations comes into play. He often sits on panels that address social issues in the African American community.

Whether its standing up for blacks or other minority groups, Revis does it because at the end of the day, "You still have to live with one another and come together," he said.

"I think diversity is important in any community; as long as you dont get to know other cultures you miss out," he said.

And fellowship with all denominations is key.

"We dont gravitate toward any group. We talk to just as many non-blacks as we do blacks," Revis said. "We try to just be us  maintain a reasonably high level of integrity."

As pastor of Midlands only predominantly black church, becoming successful hasnt been difficult, thanks to the committed members he works with, and largely in part to the pioneers of the black community. Often, Revis shares experiences with members of the black community who have known the area decades longer than he has. They serve as support for one another.

"Even though (the pioneers) may not be members at Faith Ministries, they really have helped support us," he said. "Its not uncommon for us to receive contributions from the early pioneers. Its a credit to them that they are still supporting (the idea) of family."

For 17 years, Revis has been leading a congregation  blacks, whites and Native Americans to name a few  with faith at the helm. Inside the white building on the corner of Waldo Avenue and Ashman Street, its not a black thing, its a God thing.

"We never try to fool anyone. We maintain that they are free to leave or stay," Revis said. "You dont have to stay because youre black, and you dont have to be black to come here."

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